Another PDP senator defects to APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday strengthened its presence in the National Assembly after Senator Friday Konbowei of Bayelsa Central officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling party.

Konbowei announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was read on the floor of the Senate shortly before the day’s session ended.

In the letter, the lawmaker said his decision stemmed from the “intractable crises bedeviling the Peoples Democratic Party,” adding that he could no longer remain in a party mired in internal conflicts and leadership tussles.

The defection marks another significant win for the APC, which has in recent weeks expanded its strength in the 10th Senate through a wave of defections from opposition lawmakers.

With Konbowei’s move, the APC now holds a commanding two-thirds majority of 74 seats, tightening its control in the upper chamber and reinforcing President Bola Tinubu’s legislative support base.

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The PDP’s representation has dropped to 27 senators, while the Social Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party have one senator each. The All Progressives Grand Alliance retains two seats.

Konbowei’s departure further diminishes the PDP’s influence in the South-South — once considered its stronghold — and reflects the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In recent weeks, several PDP heavyweights, including governors and senators, have also defected to the APC.